A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 14
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 14
English drama
WILD. Come, no more of this. Aunt, take my word for your husband,
that have had more experience of him than all these: 'tis true he
will long for these girls, as children do for plums; and when h'
has done, make a meal upon cheese. And you must not wonder nor
quarrel at what he says in his humour, but judge him by his
actions; and when he is in his fit, and raves most, put him into
your bed, and fold him close in your arms, aunt: if he does not
rise as kind and as good a husband as he that sings psalms best,
hang me? Why, you're a fool, aunt: a widow, and dislike a longing
bridegroom! I thought you had known better. Do you love a spurred
horse rather than a ducker, that neighs and scrapes? I would not
say this, but that I know him. Let him not go out of your sight,
for he's now in season--a ripe, mature husband. No delays: if you
let him hang longer upon hope, his fruit will fall alone.
WID. You are merry, sir; but if I had known this humour----
WILD. You'd ha' kissed him first; but, being ignorant, let me
make you blush. Come, a kiss, and all's friends. [_She kisses_
CARELESS, _and he kisses her twice_.] How now, sir, again! again!
PLEA. Aunt, look to yourself.
CARE. Um! By this light, sweetheart, and I thank thee. Nay,
widow, there's no jesting with these things--[_Kisses her
again_]--nay, I am a lion in my love. Aware, puss, if you flatter
me, for I shall deceive you.
PAR. Since all are cosened, why should I be troubled at my
fortune? Faith, gentlemen, what will you two give for a wife
betwixt you?
CON. Faith, they're mischiefs dear bought, though a man get 'em
for nothing.
PAR. I'm almost of his mind; and if other people find no more
pleasure in a married life than I upon my wedding-day, I'd pass
my time in the Piazza with the mountebank, and let him practise
upon my teeth, and draw 'em too, ere he persuades the words of
matrimony out of my mouth again. Ay, ay, Master Constant, you may
laugh, you ha' missed a wife; would I were in your case, the
world should see how cheerfully I should bear such an affliction.
CON. Jack, I ha' made my peace at home: and by seeing others
shipwrecked, will avoid the danger, and here resolve never to
sigh again for any woman: they're weeds grow in every hedge; and
transplanting of 'em thus to our beds gives certain trouble,
seldom pleasure, never profit.
_Enter_ CAPTAIN.
PAR. See where the enemy comes! Now, if you be wise, arm, and
unite against him as a common foe. He's come from his old lady,
designing a reconciliation. The rogue's provident, and would fain
have a nest for his age to rest in. Buff and feathers do well in
the youth and heat of thirty; but in the winter of old age
captain at threescore, lame and lean, may lie with the almanac
out of date.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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